Your USB stick stopped showing up, and the photos on it are the only copies
You plug in a pen drive and Windows says it needs formatting, or the drive doesn't appear at all. Or you deleted a folder by mistake, or a virus wiped it. This tool is built for those situations. It scans corrupted, formatted or undetectable USB drives and brings back the files it finds.
Quick facts
- Product: Data Recovery USB Memory Stick (listed on the vendor's site as Memory Stick Recovery)
- Vendor: Recover Data Software utilities
- Version listed: 5.8.4.1
- Platforms: Windows; the vendor's page also mentions Apple Macintosh OS X data retrieval support
- Demo: a demo version is available to try before buying
Key features
Get files back from formatted or reformatted drives
The program restores files lost to formatting, reformatting, accidental corruption and human error. It also covers virus or worm attacks and software or hardware malfunctions.
Recover pictures, video, audio and documents
It restores files, folders, music, pictures, videos and digital photos. File types named by the vendor include BMP, MOV, JPEG, TIFF, MPEG and WAV. The listing's description also mentions PDF, AVI and RIFF.
Works on drives your computer can't identify
The tool targets inaccessible or undetectable pen drives. It is meant to restore data before you try to fix or repair the damaged storage device.
Covers the common memory stick brands
The vendor lists support for Apacer, Kingmax, Lexar, Kingston, Transcend, Nikon, Super Flash, Sony, Fujifilm, Corsair and Samsung, among others.
Who it's for
It suits anyone with a damaged or accidentally wiped USB stick holding photos, videos, music or office files. That includes people who aren't technical. The vendor describes the interface as easy for all types of users.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Targets several common loss causes: deletion, formatting, viruses and corruption.
- Pro: A demo is available, so you can check what it finds before paying.
- Pro: Supports many memory stick brands.
- Con: It's aimed at logical damage. A physically broken drive is a different problem.
- Con: The listing describes support for older Windows versions, with Windows 7 as the newest named.
FAQs
What kinds of files can it recover?
Pictures, videos, audio, music, documents and folders. Named formats include JPEG, TIFF, MPEG, MOV and WAV.
Will it work if my computer doesn't detect the drive?
The vendor says it is designed for inaccessible and undetectable pen drives.
Can it recover data after a format?
Yes. Formatted and reformatted drives are among the listed loss scenarios.
Can I try it first?
Yes, the vendor offers a demo download.
System requirements
- Memory: 128 MB RAM
- Disk space: 12 MB
- Operating systems: Windows 98, XP, Vista and other Windows versions, up to Windows 7